Arthur Herring
WD has recently introduced its latest iteration of the popular PCIe 4 SSD, offering users a high-performance and cost-effective storage solution. While the 8TB WD Black SN850X still falls under the higher price range, it presents a significant saving of up to $220 compared to similar 8TB drives on the market.
Although the 2TB version of this WD drive has gained recognition as the top pick in our best gaming SSD guide, it may not be the most practical choice for most gamers to invest in the 8TB version, especially considering that modern motherboards often support multiple M.2 SSDs.
However, if you find yourself in need of a single, massive SSD, the 8TB WD Black SN850X proves to be an impressive contender. Its PCIe 4 interface and TLC NAND combine to deliver an impressive sequential read speed of 7,200MB/s and sequential write speed of 6,600MB/s. Additionally, it boasts a competent 1,200K IOPs random read and write speed, representing a notable improvement over older PCIe 3 drives.
In terms of endurance, this drive offers an exceptionally high write endurance of 4,800 terabytes written (TBW). Essentially, you can completely fill and wipe the drive approximately 600 times before the NAND storage begins to degrade. While the drive comes with a standard five-year warranty, it would be advantageous if the warranty coverage were extended to match its high capacity and price point.
The 8TB WD Black SN850X is available with or without a heatsink, although opting for the heatsink version will incur an additional cost of £55 in the UK. The exact pricing for the additional cost in USD is currently unavailable; however, the non-heatsink version is priced at $849. Comparatively, other well-known brands offer more expensive options for similar capacities. For instance, the Sabrent Rocket 8TB is priced at $1,069, while the 8TB Corsair MP600 Pro costs $941. Only Teamgroup and XPG offer drives at similarly competitive prices.
For a more budget-friendly option, any of the other SN850X choices are excellent recommendations, with the 2TB option particularly ideal as an affordable boot and gaming drive, as featured in our SN850X review.
Additional facts:
– The 8TB WD Black SN850X is based on the NVMe 1.4 standard, which offers improved performance and efficiency compared to previous generations.
– The drive utilizes 3D NAND technology, which allows for higher storage densities and improved reliability.
– It features a compact M.2 form factor, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including desktops, laptops, and gaming consoles.
– The drive supports various advanced features such as TRIM, S.M.A.R.T., and AES 256-bit hardware encryption for enhanced data security.
– WD offers a free software utility called WD SSD Dashboard, which provides users with tools to monitor the drive’s health, performance, and firmware updates.
Key questions and answers:
1. What is the sequential read and write speed of the 8TB WD Black SN850X?
Answer: The drive has a sequential read speed of 7,200MB/s and a sequential write speed of 6,600MB/s.
2. How many terabytes can be written to the drive before the NAND storage starts to degrade?
Answer: The 8TB WD Black SN850X has a write endurance of 4,800 terabytes written (TBW), which means it can be filled and wiped approximately 600 times before degradation occurs.
3. Is the drive available with a heatsink option?
Answer: Yes, the 8TB WD Black SN850X is available with or without a heatsink. Opting for the heatsink version incurs an additional cost.
Key challenges or controversies:
– Some users may find the higher price of the 8TB WD Black SN850X compared to other SSD options on the market as a challenge or disadvantage.
– The need for a single, massive SSD with 8TB capacity may not be practical for all users, especially considering the availability of modern motherboards that support multiple M.2 SSDs.
Advantages:
– Impressive sequential read and write speeds, as well as high random read and write speeds, make it suitable for demanding applications and multitasking.
– The 8TB capacity allows for an ample amount of storage for large files, games, and multimedia content.
– The high write endurance and reliability of the drive ensure longevity and data integrity.
Disadvantages:
– The higher price compared to other similar capacity SSDs on the market may deter budget-conscious users.
– The need for a heatsink version incurs additional cost, making it even more expensive for those who require better cooling.
Suggested related links:
WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD
